Jackson fans fall foul of Russian protest law

Michael Jackson fans found themselves on the wrong side of tough new laws in Russia as they tried to commemorate the third anniversary of the death of the King of Pop.

Police almost outnumbered the group of fans that gathered outside the US consulate in St Petersburg. One activist was detained for several hours for putting up a poster and now faces a hefty fine.

“We just didn’t think that this was a meeting,” said this Jackson fan. “It’s not some kind of organised action, there’s no propaganda or anything. We just love Michael Jackson and on a day like this we just want to be together.”

The group of about 20 fans gathered in the same place last year without incurring the wrath of the authorities. However the Kremlin tightened legislation when months of protests against then Prime Minister, now President Vladimir Putin turned violent in May.

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